A Level Playing Field

Cheryl Smith & Alison McConnell
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A Podcast co-hosted by Scottish football journalists Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith.  We chat all things women's football, including the latest SWPL action, as well as hot topics from across the globe. 

  1. 2D AGO

    Melissa Andreatta reveals Emslie return to Scotland Squad I A Level Playing Field I Episode 21

    In this episode of A Level Playing Field, Melissa Andreatta joins us ahead of Scotland’s crucial double header against Israel in Hungary, with both fixtures set to be played behind closed doors. Andreatta reflects on her latest squad selection, offering insight into key inclusions and the balance she’s building within the group.  She also discusses the welcome return of Claire Emslie, who is back in contention just five months after the birth of her son - a significant moment both personally and professionally. Looking ahead, Andreatta outlines her ambitions for the squad as they continue to evolve, and what success looks like in the coming window.  The conversation also turns to the domestic game, as she shares her thoughts on a dramatic SWPL title race reaching its conclusion this weekend. It’s an open and insightful chat with one of the key figures shaping the future of the Scotland national team. Send us Fan Mail In partnership with Zenith Coins.  Support the show Join A Level Playing Field for your weekly dose of women's football chat, alongside Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith!  Chat to your hosts on X HERE:  @alibali76 @JournoCherylS

    18 min

  2. MAY 14

    Inside Celtic's Season with Grant Scott I A Level Playing Field I Episode 20

    This week on A Level Playing Field, we’re joined by Grant Scott for an in-depth conversation at a pivotal moment in the season for Celtic Women. With the Scottish Women's Cup Final looming against fierce rivals Rangers, Grant Scott reflects on the challenge ahead and what it would mean to end the campaign with silverware after 6 months in the role.  He also opens up on the disappointment of missing out on the league title, and how the squad has responded in the aftermath. The conversation turns to the summer ahead - covering transfer plans, the realities of operating within budgets, and how Celtic aim to strengthen while continuing to build a clear identity on and off the pitch.  He also shares his perspective on FIFA’s new directive on increasing opportunities for female coaches, and what it could mean for the future of the women’s game. There’s also a candid discussion around fan expectations and frustrations, and the importance of connection between the club and its supporters during periods of transition. Plus, he pays tribute to outgoing Hearts manager Eva Olid, highlighting her impact on the league and the standard she’s helped set. A thoughtful, honest, and timely episode as the season reaches its conclusion.  Send us Fan Mail In partnership with Zenith Coins.  Support the show Join A Level Playing Field for your weekly dose of women's football chat, alongside Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith!  Chat to your hosts on X HERE:  @alibali76 @JournoCherylS

    31 min

  3. MAY 4

    Laura Montgomery’s Lasting Impact on the Growth of Women’s Football I A Level Playing Field I Episode 19

    In this episode of A Level Playing Field, we sit down with Laura Montgomery, one of the most influential figures in Scottish women's football and one half of the driving force behind Glasgow City’s rise to the top of the women’s game. Laura reflects on the journey from founding a club with limited resources to building a dominant force in domestic football, all while navigating the challenges of sustainability, visibility, and growth in the women’s game.  We explore the realities behind running a successful club, the progress made in recent years, and where the game still needs to go. From grassroots development to the business side of football, this is an honest and insightful conversation about leadership, resilience, and shaping the future of the sport. If you care about where women’s football is headed and how it got here - this is one you won’t want to miss!  Send us Fan Mail Support the show Join A Level Playing Field for your weekly dose of women's football chat, alongside Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith!  Chat to your hosts on X HERE:  @alibali76 @JournoCherylS

    44 min

  4. APR 27

    PFA Scotland SWPL Awards Special: Meet the Nominees I A Level Playing Field I Episode 18

    A Level Playing Field returns with a special episode spotlighting the standout performers of the SWPL season. We’re joined by a host of nominees for the PFA Scotland Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards to reflect on their campaigns, key moments, and what this recognition means to them. Hear from Player of the Year nominees Katie Wilkinson (Rangers), Georgie Timms (Hearts), Lee Gibson (Glasgow City) and Nicole Kozlova, as well as Young Player of the Year nominees Lisa Forrest (Glasgow City) and Laura Berry (Rangers). From title races to personal milestones, it’s an insight into the players who have defined the season and a look ahead to who might take home the honours. 🎙️⚽ Send us Fan Mail Support the show Join A Level Playing Field for your weekly dose of women's football chat, alongside Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith!  Chat to your hosts on X HERE:  @alibali76 @JournoCherylS

    46 min

  5. APR 22

    World Cup Belief, Title Race Heat & PFA Team of the Year | A Level Playing Field I Episode 17

    Cheryl Smith and Alison McConnell are back with a fresh episode of A Level Playing Field, diving into all the big talking points in Scottish women’s football. The duo kick things off with the international break, reflecting on a positive window for Scotland and what it means for growing belief around their World Cup qualification hopes.  There’s also a look at the newly announced PFA SWPL Team of the Year, with discussion around the standout performers and any notable inclusions or omissions. Attention then turns to domestic matters, including Rangers’ decision to move a fixture from Ibrox to Broadwood, and the questions it raises around scheduling and supporter accessibility with an inconvenient kick-off time. Finally, it’s all about the title race, with Cheryl and Alison assessing where things stand, who has the momentum, and what could prove decisive in the weeks ahead. Insightful, honest, and full of passion for the game.  This is one you won’t want to miss!  Send us Fan Mail Support the show Join A Level Playing Field for your weekly dose of women's football chat, alongside Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith!  Chat to your hosts on X HERE:  @alibali76 @JournoCherylS

    33 min

  6. APR 7

    Rose Reilly: A Pioneer’s Story of Breaking Barriers I A Level Playing Field I Episode 16

    This week on A Level Playing Field we’re joined by a true trailblazer of the women’s game - Rose Reilly. A World Cup champion, and one of Scotland’s most iconic footballing exports, Rose reflects on a remarkable career that broke boundaries across generations and continents.  From her early days in Scotland to conquering the world stage with Italy, she shares the stories behind the headlines, the challenges, the triumphs, and the moments that defined her journey. We dive into how the women’s game has evolved, what still needs to change, and why the current generation should never take their platform for granted.  Plus, Rose gives her take on today’s Scottish game and the players catching her eye. It’s a fascinating, honest, and inspiring conversation with a true pioneer of the sport. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Join A Level Playing Field for your weekly dose of women's football chat, alongside Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith!  Chat to your hosts on X HERE:  @alibali76 @JournoCherylS

    45 min

  7. MAR 30

    Sarah Rhind: Addiction, loss & the game I love I A Level Playing Field I Episode 15

    In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Sarah Rhind to explore the powerful story behind her book Scars Under the Jersey: Addiction, Loss and the Game I Love. Sarah speaks openly about her journey through recovery, the grip of addiction, and the lasting impact of grief after personal loss. It’s an honest and emotional conversation about rebuilding your life when everything has been stripped back and the strength it takes to keep going. We also dive into her connection with Street Soccer, representing Scotland at the Homeless World Cup, and how the game became a lifeline during some of her darkest moments.  From there, Sarah reflects on her return to the professional game with Hamilton Accies Women in the Scottish Women's Premier League and what football means to her now. We also talk about the process of writing the book, why she felt ready to share her story, and the hope it can give to others facing similar battles. This is a raw, inspiring and ultimately uplifting episode about recovery, resilience, and finding purpose through football. Get your copy HERE 👉 amzn.eu/d/06yCMlPK Send us Fan Mail Support the show Join A Level Playing Field for your weekly dose of women's football chat, alongside Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith!  Chat to your hosts on X HERE:  @alibali76 @JournoCherylS

    57 min

  8. MAR 23

    Fiona McIntyre: Setting the record straight on SWPL 'financial crisis' I A Level Playing Field I Episode 14

    In this week’s episode, we’re joined by SWPL Managing Director Fiona McIntyre for an in-depth and honest conversation about the state of the women’s game in Scotland. Fiona lifts the lid on what her role really involves behind the scenes, the biggest challenges she’s faced since taking charge, and the ongoing effort to grow the league’s visibility and get more fans through the turnstiles.  We also tackle the recent headlines around a reported financial crisis in the SWPL and hear directly from Fiona on why she strongly disputes that narrative. There’s also a brilliant look back at the league’s dramatic title run-ins, including the extraordinary story of trophy day going down to the wire and the trophy ending up in the back of a taxi. Plus, we preview a huge weekend for the domestic game as Glasgow City take on Rangers in the Sky Sports Cup Final, with insight on what it means for both clubs and the wider league. It’s a candid, insightful, and at times surprising chat that gives a real sense of where the SWPL is right now and where it’s heading. Send us Fan Mail Support the show Join A Level Playing Field for your weekly dose of women's football chat, alongside Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith!  Chat to your hosts on X HERE:  @alibali76 @JournoCherylS

    35 min
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About

A Podcast co-hosted by Scottish football journalists Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith.  We chat all things women's football, including the latest SWPL action, as well as hot topics from across the globe. 

Information

  • Creator
    Cheryl Smith & Alison McConnell
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 A Level Playing Field
  • Show Website
    A Level Playing Field

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